Why You Must Ventilate Your Roof

As temperatures fluctuate condensation may begin to form within your loft space. This may cause your insulation to become damp and your timber to rot. The cost of such damage can be sufficient, with the replacement of your timber battens potentially costing thousands.

Whether you’re looking to protect your current roof or are planning the construction of a new build, considering how your loft space will be ventilated is essential. A failure to do will not only result in damaged insulation and timber, but could impact your homes energy efficiency too.

How to Tell if I Need to Improve My Roof Ventilation?

To determine whether you need to improve your roof ventilation, you will need to take a trip to your loft. Here you may find that your timber or loft insulation is damp to the touch. You may also notice black mould appearing on old boxes and clothes in your loft.

One of the most noticeable signs that your roof is poorly ventilated is the smell. A ‘musky’ scent suggests that mould is building up and dampness is rife. Don’t worry, this smell will soon go when you’ve improved your roof ventilation.

How Does Moisture Damage Loft Spaces?

In a poorly ventilated roof, warm air becomes trapped throughout the day. This warm air rises from below, with general activities contributing. These include preparing meals, enjoying a bath and drying your laundry.

Warm air is often moist. When it finds itself trapped in your loft space, it therefore comes into contact with cooler surfaces and turns into water droplets. These do not only settle on the timber frame of your roof but are also absorbed by your loft insulation.

There are two major risks here. Firstly, should you experience severe condensation in your roof the timber frame may begin to rot. At this point the timber becomes weakened and is, therefore, a safety risk. Secondly, insulation becomes ineffective when it has become wet.

What Are the Different Types of Roof Ventilation?

There are a host of different roof ventilation options available. Each help to regulate the temperature and reduce the likelihood of condensation from forming. The options available to you will, however, be dependent upon your roof type.

Tile vents

Ridge vents

Eave vents

Static vents

Gable vents

Turbine vents

Tile, ridge and eave vents are the most common type of roof ventilation. This is as the combination of the three typically provides an all-round solution for most pitched roofs. You will also find that most manufacturers provide tile and ridge vents that match the profile of their roofing.

Browse our full range of roof ventilation online. You can also speak to our team by telephone for tips on how to best ventilate your roof.

Please note: This guide to roof ventilation has been written for information purposes and we therefore take no responsibility for any purchasing decisions you make or installation processes you follow as a result of reading this article. Whilst we act as a retailer, we are not experts nor qualified in the installation of roof ventilation or any other roofing material. We therefore recommend that you refer to your manufacturer’s guide and, if appropriate, consult a qualified professional.

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